Mark Robins has challenged his wider Coventry City squad to take their chance in the Under-23s and stake a claim for a place in the first team.

The Sky Blues boss will watch several of his senior players in today’s development squad match against Colchester United at the Ricoh Arena (1pm).

And he hopes that they will give him a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s League One trip to Southend United when he is aiming to have 22 players all pushing for a place in the starting line-up.

Robins has competition for every position on the pitch when everyone is fit and available, and the manager believes that battle for places will help his side continue to improve.

“We want that competitive nature going into games and hopefully I will have 22 outfield players available next week which will give me a really good headache,” he said.

“One or two will play in the 23s on Monday and hopefully they will give me something to ponder.”

Jodi Jones is expected to return to action after missing two games with illness, while left-back Brandon Mason will also step up his return from a thigh injury, building on the hour he played against Forest Green in the Checkatrade Trophy last week.

Brandon Mason should be back in contention at the weekend

“Brandon Mason will get another game so that’s more competition for the left-back position,” said Robins, who has been using Mason’s time out to get Junior Brown up to speed.

A number of senior players will also feature in today’s game is they try to impress the City boss and push for a start in his side.

“Abu Ogogo, Tony Andreu and Amadou Bakayoko will play, as will Jodi Jones so there will be a lot of positives there and they have got to want to make their mark,” he said.

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“I want them to stake their claim and if that’s achieved then great because it means I can look forward to a good week of training before we travel to Southend.”

He added: “We get Jordan Shipley back from international duty this week and hopefully Jack Grimmer will be back.

“He’s going to have a week’s training under his belt.

Jodi Jones is due to return from illness today

“He trained on Saturday morning and on Friday, and he’s been running so he’s there or thereabouts after being out with his calf injury.”

Grimmer suffered a set-back to his season just after winning his place back after Dujon Sterling started the season in the right-back berth.

His return, however, coincides with the Chelsea loan player entering a decent bit of form himself, making for hot competition moving forward.

Today's Under-23s game at the Ricoh Arena is free via the main atrium and car parking is also free of charge for supporters wishing to go along.

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